Chapter 4: A Secret Marriage

The media was stunned once again by Terrance's declaration. Was he planning to sign Natalie? Surely, he was joking? Nevertheless, the media and the jewelry brand dared not trouble Natalie further, shifting their focus to Timi Entertainment instead.

Evan and Timi's woes deepened, Serena's assistant lashing out at Natalie: “You can't even handle this simple task? Let's see how Mr. Han will deal with you now!”

Natalie, however, remained unfazed by the commotion, exuding an unprecedented poise as she changed clothes and exited the venue, only to find Terrance's sports car waiting by the side door.

"Get in," he commanded.

Obediently, Natalie slid into the car, gratitude flooding her for his actions that day: "Thank you, for today."

Terrance's eyes flickered with amusement, a smirk playing across his lips: “Did you really think I could stand by while my new bride is publicly humiliated?”

“Actually, I don’t deserve your help. I intended to be recognized,” Natalie confessed, feeling a twinge of guilt.

Terrance met her gaze, leveling his own: “I know.”

“Just remember, if you're at a loss in dealing with them, tell me. There's no need to make sacrifices when you can win smarter, right?”

Natalie remained silent.

“Where shall I take you?”

“To your place. We are married, aren't we?” She retorted, firm in her resolve to never regret her decisions.

“You do realize, not only are we married, but tonight... is our wedding night?”

Though her cheeks warmed at the thought, Natalie nodded: “I’m prepared, and I appreciate you keeping our relationship a secret. But I want to handle this on my own, to reclaim what’s mine through my own strength.”

Terrance didn’t press her, intrigued by a woman who didn't seek to exploit his status. He was curious to see what Natalie was truly capable of.

Soon after setting off, Natalie’s phone rang—it was Lucy: “Natalie, I’ve got evidence of Serena’s pregnancy. How do you want to play it? Also, the fashion show incident has blown up online. You’re trending for all the wrong reasons. What’s your move?”

“Will you stand by me, Lucy?”

“Is that even a question?” Lucy snorted. “You want me to stick with that vile pair?”

“Release the statement I had you prepare. But know, this means a complete rupture with Timi.”

“What do I have to fear?” Lucy buzzed with anticipation. “I'm on it. We need to move fast before Evan catches wind.”

After the call, the car settled back into silence. Natalie could feel Terrance's eyes on her, gauging her reaction.

“I heard your conversation,” Terrance said during a red light, capturing her chin in a firm grip. His eagle-like gaze scrutinized her. “Are you always this honest?”

“Only with you,” Natalie assured, her loyalty evident. “I worry about what you might think of me otherwise.”

Terrance was momentarily taken aback, then declared, “If it were me, I’d have been more ruthless.”

Natalie felt a surge of affection for her new husband. His words assured her that, regardless, she’d remember today's promises to Terrance.

...

Elsewhere, Evan was rocked by the news of Natalie's fiasco at the show. To make matters worse, hf had called to accuse Timi of breach of contract. The company was now facing a double whammy of contract violations and a PR nightmare.

Serena, after reviewing the show's video, pulled Evan over: “Look, Natalie made it obvious she wanted to be recognized. She knows her legs are her tell. It was deliberate!”

“Serena, Natalie wouldn’t... It's not the first time she’s stepped in for you,” Evan subconsciously defended her.

“So, you trust Natalie more now? Don’t be a fool, Evan. Someone needs to take the fall for this scandal. Are you ready to face a breach? Or will you confess that you sent Natalie in Serena's place? That would ruin us both!”

“What do you suggest?”

“We’re getting married. Natalie won’t stay in the industry anyway. For Timi's sake, you need to disown her actions, claim ignorance, and pin the publicity stunt on her."

Seeing no alternative, Evan nodded in agreement. As he reached out to the company's PR, his assistant called with urgent news.

“Mr. Han, look at the entertainment headlines. Natalie's agent has made a statement!”

Evan quickly checked the news to find that Lucy had outmaneuvered him, releasing all the details of Natalie's coerced runway appearances, accompanied by a slew of comparison photos. The narrative painted Natalie as a long-suffering victim of Timi's exploitation.

Furious, Evan dialed Lucy: “Have you lost your mind?”

Lucy's laugh was steady and confident: “I'm done with your rickety company.”

“You must control the narrative, Evan. Suppress the agent’s leak and circulate the speculation about Natalie seeking publicity,” Serena pressured.

Without hesitation, Evan leveraged his contacts to bury Lucy's exposé and promote the narrative of Natalie's alleged publicity stunt.

The internet was ablaze with controversy surrounding Natalie and Timi, with public opinion sharply divided.

Unbeknownst to all, Natalie and Terrance's marital bond remained a secret. Compared to the company's woes, few wanted to antagonize Evan.

Amidst the online vitriol directed at Natalie, Lucy's statement unexpectedly soared to top the trending searches, painting Natalie as the genuine victim.

Originally, Lucy's early release had set the public’s perspective. Along with Natalie's history of exploitation by Timi and her refusal to capitalize on past runway appearances, the tide of public opinion was overwhelmingly in her favor.

Disbelieving, Evan called his PR team, ordering a media blitz to suppress the sympathetic narrative.

Simultaneously, Terrance's assistant issued a stern warning to major news outlets: “If Natalie's story is pulled from the trending list, prepare for your downfall.”

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